6 minute read
Tasty Treats
A COBBLER FULL OF SUMMER FLAVORS
(Culinary.net)
This summer, get a little wild in the kitchen and make something different. Mix up the seasonal menu now and again by creating out-of-theordinary dishes that are a change-up from predictable warm-weather favorites.
True, many fruits are at their peak during the summer months; however, eating fruit plain can be boring and bland on a hot day. This summer, when heading to an event like a family reunion or picnic or just dining at home, try making this Oh-So-Berry Cobbler. It’s served warm and is a perfect sweet treat when berries are at their freshest. Everyone will enjoy the summery goodness of strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and a splash of lemon juice topped with a crunchy crumble and served with ice cream.
Next time you’re thinking about grabbing a fruit tray from the supermarket for an upcoming gathering, think again. This cobbler is the perfect addition to any party menu or special occasion.
Find more summer recipes at Culinary.net.
Servings: 8
2 c. strawberries, sliced 2 c. blackberries 2 c. blueberries 2 T. lemon juice 3 T. cornstarch 2 c. flour 1 t. baking powder 1 t. salt 1 c. butter, softened 1 1/2 c. brown sugar 2 t. vanilla extract Nonstick cooking spray Ice cream
OH-SO-BERRY COBBLER
Heat oven to 350 F.
In large bowl, mix strawberries, blackberries and blueberries, then add lemon juice and cornstarch; mix to combine. Refrigerate 20 minutes.
In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
In bowl of stand mixer, beat butter, brown sugar and vanilla extract on medium speed until blended. Gradually add flour mixture until crumbles form.
Spray 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Pour berries into bottom of dish. Top berries with crumbles.
Bake 30-40 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Serve with ice cream.
SUMMER SAFETY
Summer means sunshine, and although I like to say I’m solarpowered and encourage my family to be outdoors as much as possible, that also means we go through large amounts of sunscreen. Because there is such a variety of products, you can seek out the best options if your child has sensitive skin or unique skin needs. Ask for recommendations and maybe try small amounts from friends to see whether a specific sunscreen will work well for your family. It’s also helpful to set up a routine and rule that sunscreen is put on before children play outside and reapplied after the recommended time frame. Most kids don’t enjoy putting on sunscreen, but the stricter you are about it, the more they will come to expect and accept the rule. Also, decide on a designated spot to store and whether you want the kids in a certain place to apply it. When my children were younger, I kept some by our door to the garage. They would sit on our steps leading to the outdoor fun while we rubbed in the sunscreen, and then we were ready to go out and play. Other ideas could be by your back door, front door, in your car, in your diaper bag, in your stroller, in your summer sports bag and in your swim bag.
fun guide
Along with more sun exposure comes being mindful about hydration. Encourage your children to bring a water bottle with them every time they go outside and to drink often. If you’re planning on staying out for the day, consider bringing a portable water canister so water bottles can be refilled easily or a couple water bottles per child. Let kids help pick their water bottles, so they’re more interested in bringing them and drinking from them. Don’t forget to label them!
Summer also means more swimming and being mindful of water safety. Swimming lessons are a great idea to help ease some worry around water, so check out lessons at your local community pool or recreation center. Have strict rules about not going near any water without an adult, asking an adult first or always wearing a lifejacket until you’re confident your child is a safe swimmer. Parents must be mindful of children in water. Brushing up on your own CPR skills can help put your mind at ease as well.
Other summer safety concerns include being stocked up on basic first aid items such as bandages, ice packs, antibiotic cream (our family calls this “feel better cream”) and pain medicine. Summer is the season to be outside running around, playing at playgrounds, riding bikes and scooters, climbing trees and more, but with all those activities comes more risk that someone is going to fall and skin a knee. Being prepared helps. We try to keep our medicine cabinet at home stocked, as well as one in the car, and our stroller one has since moved to our hiking backpack.
Another good rule to put in place? Always wear a helmet when riding anything with wheels. Our youngest wiped out on his bike pretty badly a couple of years ago and got a concussion. I really believe the helmet saved him from a far more severe injury. Having some extra helmets on hand for friends or requesting they bring their own helps make this a rule that everyone has to follow while at your house.
Parenting is a year-round job, but hopefully these suggestions help direct your parenting this summer and help you keep your children safe, so they can have a blast this season of fun and sunshine.
Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 12, Mason, 10, and Slade, 7, and enjoys soaking up the sun (with sunscreen, of course!) with her kids each summer.
As always, please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns.
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The Best Ice Cream in KC
Whether you favor an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that scoops up classic homemade flavors or a newer, trendy shop dishing out gourmet goodies, Kansas City has your summer frozen treat cravings covered!
Poppy’s Ice Cream Shop and Coffee House | PoppysIceCream.com
Poppy’s has that old-fashioned feel with a classic atmosphere and all the warmth and hospitality of the locally owned business that it is. Our favorite thing about Poppy’s is that all the ice cream is made in-house.
Betty Rae’s | BettyRaes.com Serving delicious homemade waffle cones and ice cream sandwiches filled with homemade gourmet flavors, Betty Rae’s is a favorite neighborhood hangout.
The Golden Scoop | TheGoldenScoop.org
The Golden Scoop is an ice cream and coffee shop that employs and pays individuals with developmental disabilities.
Shiver’s Ice House | ShiversIceHouse.com
This is not an ice cream shop, but rather a Hawaiian shaved ice stand.
In addition to fabulous shaved ice, they serve pineapple Dole Whip and strawberry Dole Whip that you can add to your shaved ice treat!
Sylas & Maddy’s | SylasAndMaddysIceCream.com Sylas and Maddy’s makes fresh homemade ice cream and waffle cones daily, so you’re guaranteed to enjoy the best product they have to serve. Their delicious flavors have been super popular with local customers since 1997.
Hawaiian Bros | HawaiianBros.com The restaurant serves pineapple, strawberry and mango Dole Whips that will take you back to a tropical (or Disney) vacation! Start off with a delicious Hawaiian plate lunch and top it off with a Dole Whip.
Sweet Thang & Café | SweetThangCafeKC.com The delectable Sweet Thang & Café in Olathe is proud to bring the community delicious premium ice cream, warm sandwiches, baked goods, candy and other sweet treats.
Cookies and Creamery | CottontaleKC.com
Cottontale KC presents its new mobile concessions cart and ice cream shop! Featuring signature creamwiches, horchata hot cocoa and other local treats too!! Book the ice cream trike for your event today!
Creative Culture KC | CreativeCultureKC.com Creative Culture serves gourmet milkshakes and encourages creativity through a variety of projects and workshops for all ages and skill levels.
